Hi Patti,
Phew, that was heavy stuff, but like all things I read you that you post, I know it comes from your very good heart, and appreciate it.
Although I belong to a great many groups both here and various places on the web, and have belonged for quite some years, I rarely participated – until I found my passion – ACEO and promoting art to the benefit of all artists.
I have been in ‘chat’ groups for over 11 years and know some of the heart-wrenching situations that can occur – some even with life-changing consequences, plus fully familiar with the various personality types that can ruin things for all, and so have always thought that if things were ‘purpose-driven’ that all could co-exist with a mutual goal.
So, it is with that approach the art groups I started are based.
I certainly value the different opinions and thoughts, and try to think through different points of view, though also have some strong ones of my own. I don’t mind someone thinking the opposite to me. It’s not that I’m right, they’re wrong, it is just that they are a different person with a perfectly valid reason for feeling different to the way I do. I mourn the loss of anyone who decides to depart, and try not to take it personally.
I hate that Judy has felt the need to leave all her groups. With Judy I know I will miss her and can only hope she returns here soon.
Unfortunately I know too intimately of the making of the ‘canyon’, and also hoped it would be something that would pass along with some realizations. But as that has not transpired I choose to not spend time or effort dwelling on that but going forward in a way that is fun, informative, friendly and cohesively – as well as purpose-driven (enjoyment of creating and collecting ACEOs).
I guess I live up to my Leo’ness. Even locally I’m known for my passion and enthusiasm with all things art. But also know that certain successful events and art exhibitions would not and would not have happened without my drive and leadership in that area. But also know it irks some too! I can’t change me, and never mean any disrespect to any one if I just have to do some things my own way. For some it’s a case of backing off and out – and I’ve done that sometimes, and in other cases, it’s to seek an alternate route.
I’m a head thinker, and make decisions with my head rather than my heart quite often. Bad in a lot of ways because my heart breaks so badly with sadness with the tough decisions I make and the hurt that affects me so personally and deeply.
I value everyone who cares to speak and show their work, their feelings, their passions here. I’m not going to count who belongs to this group or that. I miss a great many who aren’t here. I am trying to keep an open mind as I know there are some that clash, even here. Also, people change, what they think and say one week may be different to next week, depending on circumstances, or maybe something they heard, or even something they read that was taken the wrong way. Such is the way with the written word, rather than knowing the being and heart of the individual. Sometimes I feel quite sad about all that has transpired, but determined to go forward, not backward – I don’t want to go to that place again.
Please feel comfortable as you are a very welcome and valued member of this group, and appreciate that you are here because you want to be.
I also hope that this group is viewed as more as a companion group – giving a more ‘intimate’ view on ACEOs – both making and collecting, that for people to feel a bit more focus that in a larger group where sometimes one can feel a bit lost. I am encouraged by quite a lot of personal mail, and feel its time had come. It is a perfectly ‘free’ world Patti, so hope you get to feeling more comfortable. I’m used to being a miss-fit. HA! If people found me a bit weird, I’d just say … it’s OK … I’m an artist! They would just smile and nod in knowing agreement.
:)
I think as artists, we are all different. I think artists make life more interesting than any other group of people. I wouldn’t alter than in the least. Hopefully if we do keep this as a purpose-driven group and realize the value of doing that we can all co-exist and relish the rich an valuable resources of promoting the artist and art lovers in all of us we can prosper beyond our wildest dreams.
*hugs*
~Jillian
~Jillian
artist, Jillian Crider
... google me!
